Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a wahi pana, a storied and sacred place, on Oʻahu's North Shore across from Waimea Bay Beach Park, cared for by the nonprofit Hiʻipaka LLC. A paved trail leads through themed botanical gardens to Waimea Falls, at the end of the main path. The gardens hold native Hawaiian species and many threatened or endangered plants, and you can see the Lono Heiau, a Hawaiian temple, from the main parking lot. Swimming at the falls is allowed when conditions are safe and lifeguards are on duty; they decide each morning, and you can call the Valley to check. Life jackets are required and provided free, there is no diving or climbing on the rocks, and the water can rise within seconds. The falls depend on rain and can slow to a trickle in dry spells, and the Valley may close the waterfall or trails for heavy rain or high water. Hours change with the season, and the Valley is closed on Mondays in October and November, so check before you go. Admission is charged, with lower rates for kamaʻāina and military visitors with ID, and the shuttle to the waterfall costs extra. Parking is free for Hawaii residents and paid for others, and the lots are for Valley guests, so do not park there for the beach. Most of the trails are paved and wheelchair accessible, though some have gravel or stairs and get slippery after rain.